How to Throw a Martini Party

Throw a classy martini cocktail party, and serve flavored martinis.

If you're feeling a little elegant and want to get a group of friends together for a night of cocktails, consider a martini party. Martinis can be made in many flavors and with many different kinds of liquors for extra fun. Serve appetizers, turn on some tunes, and enjoy a lovely evening with friends.

Things You'll Need

• Invitations
• Liquor
• Glasses
• Music
• Food
• Decorations

Instructions

1. Send out invitations. For a fun invitation, purchase a cut-out martini glass invite from a party shop. You could also throw a themed party, such as retro 1950s, and purchase or create invitations from that era. A simple invitation would work for a casual party, or for a more upscale-style event, pick an invite with an elegant typeface. Once you choose your theme, it will be simple to pick an invitation style.

2. Set up your bar area. Find some martini recipes, and serve as many types as you can. Some popular martinis that would be fun to try are apple martinis, cranberry martinis, chocolate martinis and the beautiful blue martini. Don't forget the classics such as the dirty martini and the vodka martini. Provide an interesting selection of gourmet olives for the martinis and fun drink garnishes, such as fruit slices.

3. Decide on some food options. A martini party in the evening is the perfect time for some creative hors d'ouevres. Finger foods will work best for guests mingling in a party atmosphere. Meatballs, a cheese plate, shrimp cocktail, miniature quiche and small petits fours or cookies are good options for the crowd. You could also make fondue, and serve small pieces of meat and bread for dipping. More casual options include a white cheese dip or homemade onion dip.

4. Create an atmosphere suited for your party theme. Turn on some classic jazz music reminiscent of the Rat Pack era. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis tunes will create a laid-back, mellow backdrop for your party. Light some candles, put some flowers in martini shakers as if they are vases, and have plenty of pillows thrown onto comfortable seating space. Hang some clear twinkling lights to liven up the room or to brighten an outdoor space.

References

• Martini Art: Swanky Cocktail Party Ideas
• Martha Stewart: Cocktail Party
• My Expression: Cocktail, Wine, Martini Party Invitations

Resources

• Martini Recipes